The folks at ACL Live have done a fine job of booking world-class acts in the new venue. First, Steve Miller recorded a taping. Then blues guitar god, Buddy Guy and Monday, music legend, Carlos Santana graced the stage for the first of two shows this week. Santana brought his all-star band which included his wife and former Lenny Kravitz drummer, Cindy Blackman. With no seats on the floor, the Moody Theater had a festive air as former hippies wore tie-dyes, a woman weaved through the crowd shaking a tambourine and the guy next to us wore a sequined cowboy shirt that practically gave off it's own light. In short, there was the type of eclectic crowd one would expect at a concert by a former Woodstock performer.
A pioneer in Latin fusion ( born in Mexico), Santana's music has been an integral part of American culture since the late 1960's. His music is instantly recognizable to most people. His band's performance Monday in Austin was stellar. The show opened with an extended drum and percussion intro that segued into a surprise cover, AC/DC's Back in Black which was "Santana-ized" and introduced the newest vocalist to the audience, Andy Vargas. Hearing Santana pay homage to Angus Young's famous licks on guitar was oddly compelling.
Just before the audience began to wonder if their favorite Santana song would be played, the first riffs of Black Magic Woman began to cheers from the crowd. The long, drawn out song allowed Santana to show off his guitar skills and showcase the other performers. Thirteen players were on stage and their skill was evident. A drum solo with Blackman and percussionist Carl Perazzo later in the set was about as entertaining a drum battle as we have seen.
Other highlights from the show included Maria Maria from the more recent, Supernatural (2000), opener Michael Franti guesting on Africa in Your Veins and Double Trouble guitarist, Chris Leighton sitting in on the drums for a Stevie Ray Vaughn cover. Santana spoke of being "in the house of Stevie Ray Vaughn" and how special Austin was to him as it was here he met "my lovely wife", Blackman.
Below is a setlist (via setlist.fm) from Santana's show in San Antonio which is nearly identical to the show Monday with the exception of Sunshine of your Love:
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